Roar Guru
Melbourne City have scored a strong win over the Newcastle Jets on the road, victorious by three goals to none.
Final score
Newcastle Jets 0
Melbourne City 3
While the Premier’s Plate is wrapped up, the Newcastle Jets can find solace in their automatic qualification for the Asian Champions League Group Stage for 2019.
However, there is still much to play for at McDonald Jones Stadium for third placed Melbourne City who are desperate to pip the Champions League qualifying spot ahead of rivals Melbourne Victory.
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Newcastle were ever so close to raining on Sydney FC’s parade last week before they were thrashed 5-2 by a rampant Adelaide United. The loss of Nigel Boogard to a leg injury has opened up Newcastle to countless vulnerabilities at the back for their first loss in six weeks.
Newcastle were dreadful at set pieces but were also very vulnerable on the counter-attack conceding twice as a result of being dispossessed in their half.
Newcastle were also missing their attacking lynchpin Dimi Petratos due to international duty with the Socceroos. His vision and creativity were missed as The Jets two goals came from set pieces scored by Ben Kantarovski.
Full-back and winger Jason Hoffman is missing after receiving a red card against Adelaide while Wayne Brown has suffered a calf strain and is replaced by Ronny Vargas.
Melbourne City’s ‘Prickly Pear’ Bruno Fornaroli was on fire against the Wanderers in Melbourne City’s 3-0 win at home last week. The Uruguayan scored and assisted in the victory proving his worth as a marquee in his second start since returning from injury.
Stefan Mauk was also in stellar form, scoring in the second game in a row as Danish centre-back Michael Jakobsen scored his first a-League goal in his 41st match.
This is a welcome fixture for Melbourne City, having not lost this season to Newcastle as well as beating them on their own turf 2-1 earlier this season.
Prediction
Melbourne City to win 2-1.